Attleborough Town Council creates youth centre from former Sun Market shop in Exchange Street

A Norfolk council has given a new lease of life to a shop that was ordered to close after it was caught selling illegal vapes.

Sun Market in Attleborough’s Exchange Street was shut down earlier this year after Norfolk Police seized thousands of illegal products during several raids on the shop.

These included illicit cigarettes and vapes, which the business was also found to be selling to children.

Breckland Council has agreed to fund the rent of the premises for three years to allow the town council to launch a new youth centre, including dedicated support for children with special educational needs (SEND).

Taila Taylor, a member of both councils and mayor of Attleborough, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled at how the project has progressed and the exemplary example of partnership working.

“Attleborough has had a deficit of youth provision for many years, and hopefully this new facility will go a long way in filling that gap. The SEND offer will also be a much needed provision, and will help many local families, supporting both children and parents.

“This area of the project is particularly close to my heart and as such, I have personally pledged to fund a year’s SEND provision at the facility.”

Norfolk Police and Norfolk Trading Standards carried out five visits to Sun Market over a two-year period during which thousands of illegal products were seized.

Following a court hearing in May, Norwich Magistrates’ Court issued a closure notice forcing the shop to shut for the following three months.

The premises has since been vacated and Attleborough Town Council has agreed to furnish the building and fund the remaining costs of the project.

The authority is working alongside youth groups in the town to ensure the new centre is fully utilised and has encouraged them to get involved.